DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 24, 13 June 1891, Page 63

DUNEDIN.

Dear Bee, May 27. We have had quite a pleasant week so far as amusements are concerned. To begin with, the sixth and last of the Squarise-Barmeyer concerts came off in the Garrison Hall, which, although the night was a very inclement one (to put it mildly), was well filled. These concerts have been growing in favour weekly. They have been of the very first-class music, and the prices of the tickets, if a season ticket was taken, not more than tenpence a concert, and made transferable. Herr Squarise had been suffering with a sprained ankle, and on this account theconcert had been postponed, and upon his appearance he was warmly received. Another attraction was the reappearance of Miss Rose Blaney. She had been announced to sing some time ago, soon after her return from Melbourne, but her throat, unfortunately, prevented her doing so, so that this was really her first appearance since her return. She was in glorious voice, and sang, * Salve Maria," by Mannel Garcia, the celebrated tutor of Jennie Lind. Miss Blaney not only sang well, but looked charming in a perfectly-fitting go'wn of figured cream Liberty silk, made with long train, and the skirt edged with a full soft ruche, the bodice and skirt both trimmed with cream ribbon velvet. The bodice was made with full elbow sleeves, and Medici collar edged with pearls. Two lovely bouquets were presented to her. Signor Squarise also received the compliment of a bouquet. Mr Harry Smith (who is soon to leave us for your city) was in good voice also, and sang, 'The Friar’s Song’ from Sullivan’s new opera, ‘ Ivanhoe,’ unperformed in the colony, and Cowan's ‘Better Land.’ The orchestral pieces by Signoi Squarise and Herr Barmeyer were as lovely as usual. Among those I noticed in the audience were Mesdames Davies, Fitchett, Madame Squarise, Mesdames Joachim, R. Turnbull, Sievwright, Mills, and Hocken. The • Octoroon ’ was performer! at the Theatre which was a sight to gladden the hearts of those who earnestly hoped to make a handsome present to the widow of the genial actor, John Musgrove. Mr S. Solomon, in an interval thanked the audience for their liberal assistance, and also thanked all those who took part, specially mentioning the name of W. F. Young, who had had al most tne entire management of the whole thing, besides playing one of the leading parts, that of McCloskey, the villain of the piece. Mr Young took the heavy part splendidly, making it one of powerful interest. Mr C. Umbers, who also shared the duties of stage manager, made a first - class Salem Scudder, making one quite foreet that he had ever been anything else. Miss llorne looked and played the Octoroon very sweetly, and Miss Edith Leech made a bewitching Dora Sunnyside, looking as that young lady would have desired to look—quite Parisian in an electric blue cos tume. Miss Coburn was capital as Paul. I must not forget Mr Densem's powerful acting of Wahnotee the Indian, or Mr Little, Old Pete, an old Negro, with whom we all fell in love. Mr Charles Mouat was very good as Colonel Pointdexter in auctioneer’s scene." Mr McLaughlin was a good representative of Captain Ratts, and Mr Hanlon was the lover, George Peyton, and Mrs Angus made a nice Mrs Peyton. The negroes on the farm were unrecognisable, and I couldn’t help thinking if we look so ngly with our faces blackened, bow good-look-ing real negroes would be could they as Topsy desired, * come white.’ Next came the Liedertafel concert, an : the Garrison Hall was taxed to its utmost, large as it is, to accommodate the audience. A musical treat was anticipated beforehand, but I think the concert surpassed our expectations. The first part of the evening was devoted to solos, part-songs, and pianoforte and organ pieces, Mr Jesse Timson and Mr A. J. Barth opening with Engel’s arrangement of airs from ‘ L’Africaine ’ ( Meyerbeer), which was beautifully played. One part-song with an anvil accompaniment was charming, and carried the house with it, it was so merry and bright. This was called * The Song of the Miner,’ which was begun by the whole chorus, then half way through Messis J. Hopkins and H. S. Reunert had a duet, the chorus catching it up again, while the anvil kept a cheerful accompaniment. Mr Hunter, Mr J. Jago, F. L. Jones, and Mr Man-on were the soloists. Mr Jones sang, 'Across the Far Blue Hills, Marie,’ which suits his sweet, sympathetic voice admirably. In marked contrast to this song was Mr Jago’s ‘Golden Argosy,’ which he rendered powerfully and passionately, "as this song must be given to be a success, which it undoubtedly wa«, as the audience testified. Mr Hunter sang, ‘ The Storm King,’ and Mr Manson, ‘ Thy Sentinel Am I,’ charmingly. The second part of the concert was an enchanting descriptive piece, in which the story was told by Mr Young, and rendered by a full orchestra and the Liedertafel. The scene was in the East, and we had a graphic description of the silence of the desert, and the Arabs folding their tents, and of silently stealing away. Before the orchestral parts could get monotonous, a lovely tenor solo (by Mr Blenkinsopp) ora delightful chorus would occur. ‘Ye Desert ' was the name of this lovely piece, and the beautiful interpretation given to it by the Liedertafel should be a satisfaction to them. In social circles there have been no very great doings since my last letter. Mrs J. Stephenson gave a very pleasant

luncheon party one day. Among the guests were Mesdames Niells, Batchelor, Ogston, Hoc ken, Davies, Side, and Mrs Macdonald, from Christchurch. A number of very pleasant afternoon teas have intervened, one given by Mrs Cutton, and another by Mis Preston. also by Mrs E. C. Reynold- and Mrs Ogston. Mrs Gibeoa gave at her residence, at Anderson's Bay, a very pleasant dance for young folks, with, of course, a sprinkling of married la-lies. These were Mesdames Mills, Thompson, Ferguson, McKenzie, and Misses Williams, Dy mock, Sise, Roberts, Sjence, Cargill, Reynolds, Stanford, and NeilL For the Queen's Birthday races we had a lovely day —quite a soft, balmy feeling in the air, not at all like winter, so that all those present enjoyed themselves immensely, some very stylish winter costumes being worn by the few ladies present. Looking very nice were Mesdames Stephenson, Rose, Mills, Bowen, McKenzie Hazlett, Chapman, and the Misses Niell, Car, Reynolds, Stephenson, and Hales Mrs McKenzie wore a dress of electric blue braided with black, and hat elaborately trimmed with feathers ; Mrs B »wen, a stylish brown cloak, with brown hat ; Miss Neill, dove coloured silk with black jacket, brown hat with feathers to match. The second day was equally glorious, and there wa< a splendid attendance. The lawn and stand were quite warm. Among the ladies I noticed Mrs E. C. Reynolds, wearing a grey tweed with grey b-ia. and muff to match, with black feather hat ; Miss Le Cren wore a claret-coloured dress with stylish Newmarket coat ; and her sister, in grey dress with sealskin jacket; Mrs Grierson, pretty brown tweed costume : Miss Tottie Stephenson looked well in a pretty tweed with black and red hat : Miss Carew also wore a stylish tweed ; Miss Sievwright, fawn costume and handsome boa. The sham fight came off with grand effect, but as the mail is closing. I have not time to say any more.

Maude.